The Italian opera house, La Fenice, has sacked its incoming music director, Maria Venezi, following controversial remarks about nepotism. Many of the theatre's musicians and staff questioned her credentials, arguing that she was unfit to be the music director. The workers' union called for a strike in protest and demanded that the public outcry was brought to light. The decision to sack Veneze was made after she made public statements that were deemed offensive and damaging to the artistic and professional standing of both the theatre and its orchestra.